The Red Hill Bay Restoration Project is a 420-acre area in Imperial County, at the south end of the Sea. The project began with a “playa breaking” in 2015 and should be completed by year's end. It is designed to restore and improve the quality of wetland habitat in the Red Hill Bay marina to conditions similar to what the shoreline was like decades ago. The project will reestablish the marina as an important shallow-water habitat for migratory water birds, cover exposed playa, reduce dust emissions and protect public health.

The Torres-Martinez Wetland Project consists of 71 acres of deep-water habitat located at the north end of the Sea on Indian reservation land, near the Whitewater River. The first phase of this project removes invasive plants, and installs a field of solar panels to power pumps that will provide water for future wetlands. This project is expected to come online by next month.

The newest project is the New River East Species Conservation Habitat-Phase One Project in Imperial County, also at the south end of the sea. This project will restore habitat for fish and wildlife. The design phase has been completed and the state is gathering easement agreements and contracting with Imperial Irrigation District to clear the land.

I have been engaged in sea efforts for many years. As a state Assembly member, I authored AB 71 (2013), which required the state to work in partnership with the local jurisdictions of the Salton Sea Authority. Related legislative efforts funded a feasibility study to develop a framework of realistic and achievable projects. This has resulted in the state’s 10-year Salton Sea Management Plan. Phase I of this plan will bring additional projects to the southern receding areas of the sea.

We now have substantial funding in sight, thanks to bipartisan legislative efforts and effective advocacy led by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia. A park bond with $200 million for the Salton Sea is on the June 2018 ballot. We will need strong voter support to pass this bond.

These projects are just the beginning of many longer-term solutions envisioned at the Salton Sea. The Salton Sea partners are working diligently to stay ahead of the air quality issues with a timeline of projects, and will bring forth more information about new ideas and new projects.

The Salton Sea holds great memories for many people; mine are of my godfather taking me fishing as a young boy. My hope is that the next generation can enjoy the sea.

With these projects coming to fruition, there is momentum and a renewed commitment. We can provide a safe and stable Salton Sea as well as economic and tourism opportunities.

Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel “Manny” Perez is a member of the Salton Sea Authority, and former State Assemblymember, 56th Assembly District. Reach him through his Web site at www.rivco4.org.